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Library of climate resources

This is a collection of links to climate datasets, tools, guidance and related resources. The sources include the federal government, provincial and territorial governments, national professional organizations, climate consortia and established international organizations. It can be useful for impact, vulnerability and risk assessments, and for adaptation planning.

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In progress. The New Framework for Using Climate Scenario Data for Impacts and Assessment Studies will provide data on estimates of regional temperature and precipitation changes as a result of cumulative CO2 emissions which is expected to be applicable to efforts to estimate regional impacts and adaptation needs.

This application summarizes key results of Scenarios Network for Alaska + Arctic Planning (SNAP) general circulation model (GCM) statistical evaluation and model selection. The evaluation is of historical climate model runs over several geographic domains with an Alaska and Arctic focus. GCM performance is ranked based on minimum error with respect to a European Re-Analysis (ERA-40) baseline data set using several error metrics. The application enables exploration of model evaluation results pertaining to various spatial domains, climate variables and error statistics as well as seasonal variability. Users can drill down into the climate model evaluation and compare GCMs in numerous and detailed ways depending on their areas of interest.

Climate model data from a number of climate models developed by the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma) are available for download. Climate model output is available for the Fourth Generation Global Climate Model (CanESM2 / CGCM4 ), the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CanRCM4), and the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM). Gridded historical simulations and future projections from these climate models are available for downloading.

Climate model graphics for a number of climate models developed by the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma) are available. Model graphics of projected changes in temperature and precipitation are available for CanESM2 (fourth generation coupled GCM / 2nd generation Earth System Model), CanRCM4 (Canadian Regional Climate Model), and CGCM3 (third generation coupled GCM). Model graphics for earlier model versions are also available.

Canadian Cryospheric Information Network (CCIN) provides information on measuring, modeling, and understanding the relationships between the cryosphere and the Earth's climate system. It contains data visualizations of current and historical snow water equivalent, sea ice thickness, and current and historical lake ice cover. Historical and future data are available as point and gridded data.

Canadian ensemble of CMIP5 ocean wave heights simulations mean and extremes contains monthly, seasonal and annual statistics (mean and maximum) of significant wave height that were produced using a statistical modelling approach and 6-hourly sea level pressure. Sea level pressure was simulated by 20 global climate models included in the Coupled Climate Model Comparison Phase 5 (CMIP5) project. The gridded global dataset contains projected data. Data are available for the historical period 1950-2005 and two different future emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5).

Canadian Extreme Water Level Adaptation Tool (CAN-EWLAT) is a science-based planning tool for the adaptation of coastal infrastructure related to future water-level extremes and changes in wave climates. This tool allows users to locate tide gauges and small craft harbours across Canada. For each geographical location, data including vertical allowance, sea level rise, mean water level, and wave climate can be visualized and downloaded.

The Climate Atlas of Canada is an interactive tool developed for users to learn about climate change in Canada. It combines climate science, mapping and storytelling. The primary source of climate model data presented in maps, charts and tables is the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. Statistically downscaled data was derived from 12 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate models for two emissions scenarios: Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5. For comparative purposes, observed data are included in all time-series graphs for the period 1950-2005. The source of the observed data used in the Atlas is Natural Resources Canada.

The Climate Change Scenarios - Agriculture dataset consists of a series of maps depicting the impacts of climate change on agriculture across Canada and the USA. Maps show data at a spatial resolution of ~2km as well as estimates for specific locations. Monthly data are available from 1900 and daily data are available from 1950. Projected future data are available to 2100 both yearly and as 30-year averages for 2011-2040, 2041-2070, and 2071-2100. Specific variables include Effective Growing Degree Day, Moisture Deficits, and Length of the Growing Season.

Graphics and tables of projected changes in climate across Canada are computed from an ensemble of multi-model output gathered as part of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Projections are based on the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. Time series data are available for projected changes in temperature, precipitation, and snow depth annually and seasonally. Maps of projected changes in temperature, precipitation, snow depth, sea ice concentration, sea ice thickness, and wind speed are available for three future time periods between 2016 and 2100.

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